The most successful pickleball and padel clubs in America are no longer just places to play.

They are becoming social hubs, wellness centers, networking spaces, restaurants, entertainment venues, and community gathering points. And increasingly, one surprising activity is finding its way into those clubs:

Mahjong.

What once carried the stereotype of a retirement pastime is now experiencing a massive resurgence with younger demographics, social groups, and country-club-style communities looking for screen-free connection and meaningful social interaction.

And pickleball facilities may be uniquely positioned to capitalize on it.

“We’re becoming the fabric of people’s lives,” said Wolverine Pickleball founder and IAPPF Member, Christy Howden. “People come in here, this is their third place.” 

That philosophy is exactly why Wolverine Pickleball began integrating Mahjong programming into its facility — and why other clubs across the country are starting to follow.

Mahjong and Pickleball Have the Same DNA

Julie Morris, founder of Ann Arbor Mahjong Club, believes the explosion of Mahjong mirrors what happened with pickleball years ago.

“It has the same DNA as pickleball,” Morris explained. “People are craving that in-person analog experience.” 

In a world dominated by phones, streaming, and digital overload, Mahjong offers something increasingly rare: tactile, face-to-face social interaction.

“You can’t fake a Mahjong,” Morris said. “It’s tactile. It’s kinesthetic. It’s auditory. It’s visual.” 

That is exactly why it fits naturally inside pickleball and padel clubs — facilities already built around social connection, camaraderie, and repeat visitation.

The Revenue Opportunity Goes Beyond Courts

For facility operators, Mahjong is not simply an activity add-on. It is a way to activate underutilized spaces and generate new streams of engagement and revenue.

At Wolverine Pickleball, Mahjong programming has helped activate lounge areas, event spaces, restaurant traffic, and daytime programming.

“We’re activating that space,” said Howden. “It’s a great add-on to utilize daytime hours or some evening hours, just bringing more people in.” 

And importantly, those guests are spending money.

“They drink a cocktail or two,” Howden added. “So we’re all in support of that.” 

The club is even exploring themed Mahjong nights tied to food and beverage experiences, women’s weekends, and corporate event programming.

That matters in an industry where many facilities are searching for ways to diversify beyond court bookings.

Mahjong Is Bringing New Customers Into Clubs

One of the biggest surprises for Wolverine Pickleball has been the crossover effect.

Some pickleball players stay after their sessions to play Mahjong. Others come specifically for Mahjong — and then begin exploring pickleball, restaurants, social leagues, and other club offerings.

“We’re getting people coming in who aren’t ready for pickleball,” said Howden. “It’s a great entry point.” 

That creates a lower-pressure introduction to the club environment for people who may feel intimidated by paddle sports but still want community and social engagement.

“We have people here practicing after they play pickleball, before they play pickleball, or on a day they’re not even playing pickleball,” Howden said. 

For facilities focused on retention and lifetime member value, that kind of stickiness is extremely valuable.

Clubs Across the U.S. Are Starting to Experiment With It

Mahjong programming is already appearing in facilities around the country.

At least 30 pickleball-oriented clubs and entertainment venues in the U.S. are publicly promoting Mahjong events or classes, including Wolverine Pickleball, Rally Pickleball, PKL Park, Relish Food Hall Pickleball, Sure Shot Pickleball, The Picklr Mount Prospect, Pickleball Charlotte and others.

That number is likely much higher because many facilities promote programming privately through CourtReserve, email newsletters, and member groups.

Interestingly, clubs are discovering Mahjong works best in lounge-style spaces separate from active courts.

“When you learn Mahjong, you need to focus,” Morris explained. “You kind of need that designated space.” 

For facilities with cafés, bars, restaurants, party rooms, mezzanines, or lounge areas, Mahjong may be one of the easiest ways to create additional energy without sacrificing court inventory.

A New Kind of Community Builder

Perhaps the biggest takeaway is this: Mahjong is helping clubs deepen community.

“It’s adding to the vibrancy of what’s going on here,” Howden said. 

That vibrancy matters.

In an increasingly competitive pickleball and padel landscape, facilities are searching for ways to differentiate themselves from “just another court facility.”

Programming like Mahjong gives clubs another layer of identity — one that appeals to women’s groups, social circles, corporate outings, lifelong learners, and members looking for connection beyond competition.

As Morris put it:

“Everyone’s welcome. You don’t have to dress nice. You can just come and play.” 

And for clubs trying to become indispensable gathering places in their communities, that may be the most important opportunity of all.